The arts and entertainment industries are in the spotlight on this episode of Alone Together after they were forced to switch off their spotlights under the coronavirus restrictions.

Theatres, arts centres, comedy clubs, music venues, and other places of entertainment had to shut their doors in March – and for many, they have remained shut; and for some, they may sadly never open again.

Last month, when announcing the £1.57 billion rescue package, prime minister Boris Johnson called the arts the 'beating heart of the country'. On this episode, we ask those working in the industry what needs to be done by the government to keep this beating heart ticking.

Gayle Knight from the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre in Oswaldtwistle describes the challenges faced by small, grassroots theatres - and what support they need.

Stand-up comedian Jack Gleadow chats about the importance of comedy clubs and Edinburgh Fringe. He also discusses how comics have been coping without paid gigs in lockdown.

And in our Local Heroes segment, we chat to restaurant owner Layla Gassabi, who is delivering hot meals to those most in need in Edinburgh.

Alone Together is a Laudable production from the newsrooms of the Manchester Evening News, the Edinburgh Evening News, and Birmingham Live. It is presented by Morven McIntyre, Matt Millard and Dan McLaughlin, and it is edited by Matt Millard.